Aromatherapy Today

Pages

Thursday, March 21, 2013

"A man may esteem himself happy when that which is his food is also his medicine." -Henry D. Thoreau

A NOTE FROM US:

It's Spring and Spring reminds me that it's a season for new beginnings! It's a time for me take take a personal inventory and see what I need to start doing that I've stopped doing or to turn up the volume on things related to my physical health, emotional health and spiritual health! How about you? This month I'll share a few tidbits about health and wellness and highlight a few essential oils for you! I hope you have a wonderful, warm Spring and enjoy the great outdoors!

Will you share? We are looking for some personal testimonials about how a specific essential oil or herb has worked for you and your family -we want to hear about it! Please click here and leave us your story and we'll share it with others in the coming months if you don't mind! Be one of the first 3 who post and receive a free gift in the mail!

Enjoy the newsletter AND every minute of every day!

- Donna Dawson

Certified Aromatherapist

ESSENTIAL OIL Highlight:

ROMAN CHAMOMILE (Chamaemelum nobile)

Roman Chamomile

If you've ever grown Chamomile in your garden or sipped on Chamomile tea, you'll know how lovely the aroma can be. It is also referred to as English Chamomile. It is typically steam distilled from the dried flowers. German Chamomile looks similar but the characteristics are not the same. It is a great anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antidepressant, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, diuretic, stomachic, vulnerary (speeds wound healing) and it is a antifungal- among other things.

It is GREAT for teething and toothaches! Dilute 1:1 with a vegetable oil, coconut oil or Fractionated coconut oil and use a cotton swab to apply to gums! (Dilute to 1-2% for younger ones). Also GREAT for conjunctivitis: Add 1 drop to 1/2 cup warm water and bath over the eye using sterile cotton balls (squeeze out excess so it doesn't drip into the eye). OR, blend Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Melaleuca in equal portions diluting 1:1 with Fractionated coconut oil: Use a roller bottle; roll around the eye, staying about 1" away from the eyes up to 3 x per day.

STUDIES: Roman Chamomile has shown promising in Palliative Care at reducing anxiety and improving quality of life when administered with massage. There have been several studies on the subject, so if you want to read more, just google "Roman Chamomile for Palliative Care". For one study details click here: Study: Eval. of Aromatherapy Massage in Palliative Care

SAFETY: Avoid this oil during pregnancy. If you have a allergy to Ragweed or other members of the Asteraceae plant family, stay away from this one! Otherwise, this is a very gentle and mild oil so you can use it without worrying!

You might find relief from menstrual cramps with a blend of: 2 drops of Clary Sage, 2 drops of Lavender diluted in 20 drops of Fractionated Coconut oil or other carrier oil. Massage into lower abdomen or lower back and use a warm compress or heating pad to drive the oils in. Apply 3-4 times daily as needed. If you are lucky enough to have Rose Essential Oil on hand, add 1 drop of it to this blend as well, as Rose oil has been shown to be very effective with these kinds of cramps.

About me

After working in corporate America, sitting behind a desk for 20 years, I realized that my dreams were slowly but surely fading away. One day I simply woke up and decided that I could start anew and really live my dreams even though it seemed distant. I started by getting a certification in Aromatherapy and will become a Registered Certified Aromatherapist in the coming months and will be well on my way to really fulfilling my dream of working to help others realize the potential of natural healing and wellness in their families lives just as I have realized it in my own. Thank you for coming on this journey with me.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

A Aromatherapist is someone who has been formally trained in the use of essential oils, essential oil safety, history of essential oils, the distillation processes, blending, dilution rates, contraindications etc., and has a basic understanding of anatomy and a familiarity with plants/individual oil makeup (chemical constituents and their efficacy/therapeutic effect). A aromatherapist is always working toward a whole body balancing - meaning, they are looking at health as a balance of healthy eating habits, routine exercise, good sleep habits, supplements, etc. and also, always considering the role of our spiritual and mental well being in that balancing act. Essential oils and aromatherapy can play a part in bringing the body back into balance and while aromatherapy is not a licensed modality at this time in the USA, it may be, in the near future, as we become more and more aware of the benefits (with virtually no side effects if used according to standard dilution rates/recommended daily dosages) natural, pure essential oils can bring.
Here is a article that states more specifically what a Aromatherapist can/cannot do according to a accredited school - American College of Healthcare Sciences: What Can I Legally Do As An Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Or Other Holistic Health Practitioner?
Not all aromatherapy training/education is the same. If you are looking for a certification in aromatherapy or to become a Registered Aromatherapist be sure to do your homework before entering into a program. Some can run a small fee of $300 for a weekend course and some upwards of $5000+ for a accredited certificate or diploma program. Course are even available online. To some degree, you get what you pay for. If you are simply looking for some basic training so you feel comfortable using essential oils at home for you and your family, a weekend course or 16-20 hours of training is a great place to start. However, if you are seeking to enhance your current holistic practice with a specialty like aromatherapy a more intensive course might be a better fit. Training you might receive in the United States will also vary from what may be available/offered in other countries.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I took this quiz via a link on the Tisserand web site- interesting~ I missed one!
CLICK on the text above "How much do you know about lavender" and then click
on "Questions" to take the quiz yourself- see how YOU do! Good luck!

Friday, May 4, 2012

PEPPERMINT - Mentha piperita is such a wonderfully aromatic plant! It's a great addition to a herb garden, though you should take caution when planting because it spreads like wildfire. A container is a great idea here or consider making a underground barrier so it cannot travel too far. The plant enjoys full sun and moist soil that is well-drained. It makes a wonderful tea with fresh or dried leaves and a it a perfect addition to a fruit salad or lemonade/limeade on a hot sunny day!Peppermint is also commonly referred to as Balm Mint or Brandy Mint. The name peppermint is said to have originated from Greek mythology. In the story, a
nymph named Minthe, was transformed after
death into the aromatic plant by Pluto's jealous wife, Persephone. Peppermint is grown primarily in the United States though there is also some coming out of India, France and Italy. The United States has, historically been the largest producer of Peppermint essential oil. Essential oil of peppermint is steam distilled from the leaves, stems and flowers. Peppermint carries aromas that can be described in the perfume world as herbaceous, fresh mint, green and some say tobacco. The essential oil is used in many household products and foods like toothpaste, mouthwash, breath freshener, soaps, confections/desserts and liquors.

Peppermint essential oil will not leave a stain on a blotter, has a light yellow to light green color and is a rather thin oil. It is a:

It is commonly known to relieve pain from headaches and minor muscle aches and can be soothing for skin irritations and cooling for a fever.

Peppermint essential oil has another interesting characteristic. It is known to be a adaptogenic. This means that it adapts to what your body needs. It can act as a stimulant OR a sedative. Peppermint essential oil can be used as a bug repellent too! So when you are getting ready for summer bbq's have your spray bottle ready! Please be careful with peppermint essential oil. Like all essential oils, it is quite powerful and you should be sure you do a skin patch test prior to applying it topically. When you do use it topically, diluted with a carrier oil at a 2% dilution rate and don't use on damaged or sensitive skin. Peppermint can be a irritant and cause hypersensitive reactions in some. In large doses it could case a allergic reaction. Consult with a physician if you intend to use it during pregnancy. Peppermint has been known to cause milk production reduction. Use caution (dilute considerable more than with adults) when considering use on children and never use on children under 2. Also, talk to your doctor if you are taking homeopathics, as some suggest it's use can cancel out the therapeutic effects of homeopathics. Additionally, if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or low blood pressure, epilepsy, or seizures, it is best to avoid peppermint essential oil and consult with your physician prior to using any essential oils. In general, it's a good idea to consult with a experienced certified aromatherapist prior to using essential oils and they, in turn, may also recommend you talk to your doctor prior to using essential oils depending on your individual circumstances.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Often people ask - Are bees attracted to essential oils? Should I be concerned when I'm outside and I've just put oils on? Will they come swarming or think I'm a plant? Well, here is a recent quote from a expert on the Honey Bee vs. Essential oil subject: Hans Johsens from Lone Star Apiaries:

I am a beekeeper.
Bees are not attracted to fragrances for the most part (although the smell of honey and other sweet smells will attract them) but many colognes, perfumes and chemical smells or fumes will get them agitated, and they might sting as a result. Since the oils are a natural plant extract I do not see them getting in a frenzy over them. They also will get in a stinging mood if one slaps or swats at them (so this is always to be avoided!). They are attracted to the shape and color of flowers, please note that attraction does not equate aggression. Flowers are a source of food for them, they are very docile when out foraging (one can catch them and hold them in cupped hands without fear of being stung when bees are out foraging). I have never had a problem with my bees (I have a dozen hives) and the oils. Just to illustrate this I just put some Lavender, Lemongrass, Geranium, Frankincense and Myrrh (just a dab of each one) on my arm and went out and sat in front of the entrance to one of my hives in the yard. The bees could not have cared less, not even one of them came to investigate me, let alone my arm where I applied the oils, in any way (though a few who were returning to the hive did bump into me because I wasn't there a few minutes earlier- this is normal). So I will say with some authority that the bees are not attracted to the oils. Even if they were attracted I see no reason why they would become aggressive and sting due to the oils, certainly not anywhere away from the colony. Bees sting when out foraging pretty much only if they are provoked in some way (such as stepping on them in a field of clover). They sting in the hive when you try to steal their honey. They also die after they have stung a person so they don't sting for no good reason.
Hans

Thank you Hans for your comments/thoughts on this subject. It is one that is asked frequently and it's nice to have someone with experience and expertise comment so we all don't have to be fearful of bumping into a hungry bee, we can rest easy!

Recycle!!!! Freecycle! Buy products from companies who care about real recycling and sustainability

Plant a tree!

Visit the website EARTHDAY and click on "What you can do" for lots of ideas and make a pledge to make a change THIS year- lots of easy ways to give back!

Stop buying bottled water! Alternatives: try glass bottles or aluminum- yes, youcanwash
your bottles, it only takes a minute. Millions and millions of these
plastic bottles are filling up our landfills (even though they can be
recycled, plastic is still not biodegradable). And for your own
health, if you must drink from a plastic bottle, educate yourself on the
harmful chemicals that can come into your water through certain types
of plastics. There are a lot of great water bottles now you can find
online and your local Sporting goods stores carry many great aluminum
choices! Here is one of my favorites: GLASS WATER BOTTLE : be sure to check out the new flip top!

Carpool one day per week (if you don't already) to school or work

Take your reusable bags to the grocery store and every store you shop at - keep them in your car, your purse, be ready!

Have a garage sale! It's surprising what others may find useful that you might throw away and you could make a few extra $$!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Yes, if you are using Pure Essential Oils topically that are or contain Citrus (Lemon, Wild Orange, Bergamot, etc.), then it is recommended that you do not have sun exposure (sun tanning, gardening, sports, swimming outdoors, tanning beds) for about 8-12 hours after you have applied the oil. Recommendations do vary from 4 hours to 12 hours or so. Really, we are not using these particular oils (citrus)often on our skin/topically, but if you do, please be safe.

Citrus Oils that can cause Photosensitivity or photo-toxicity (sunburn much quicker and sometimes significantly more harsh than simply having sun exposure alone without essential oils on your skin):

Lemon

Lime

Grapefruit

Wild Orange

Bergamot

Tangerine

There are a few other oils that can cause a similar effect that are not citrus oils which include:

Angelica

Cedarwood

Neroli

Ginger

Cinnamon

Clary Sage

Patchouli

If I have a lotion, for example that I made myself and I know there are only a few drops (diluted properly) in the entire batch, then I will not be worried about going out into the sun on a normal day with normal exposure (just going in/out of the house, running errands-15min here and there, etc.). I would not apply it and go lay out by the pool for 4 hours, however. I would avoid that kind of sun exposure if I applied any of these oils neat topically (without dilution) for 12 hours. Again, the citrus oils are oils that I would rarely use topically anyway- it would more likely be one of the non-citrus oils that I need to be more thoughtful about. I do, however use citrus oils in blends that contain other oils as well and many oils I wear as perfume contain citrus oils, so on those days I know I will be in the sun, I do not spray it on!
I for one, think we don't talk enough about safety when it comes to essential oils! This is one area I plan to share more about. I have never had a issue in the 3 years I've been using essential oils, however, I have personally know a few people who have and it's not a pleasant experience.